In New York City, there is a week in May where the ground is neither covered with snow nor emitting steamy poofs of humidity. It happens again in reverse sometime in October, but the rest of the time, the city is a danger zone of frizzy hair, smudgy eyeliner and a shiny t-zone.

If you’re not dealing with hairstyle destroying gusts of wind, you’re battling makeup-melt. Arriving at your destination, even if it’s only three subway stops away, becomes an exercise in style preservation. And while it’s next to near impossible to ensure your look will stay totally intact, these products can help you toward the goal of looking polished and put-together. Here are some handy summer makeup tips that will help you weather the weather!

1.) A no-nonsense base: Liquid makeup is a bit too malleable and soft to withstand summer swelter, and minerals can- although not always get cakey and settle into pores. (Although it bears mentioning that their sun protection factor is awesome.)

I’ve sung the praises of MAC’s Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation before, but it really does create a long-lasting, flawless look like nothing else. Apply with a brush for the thinnest, most controllable coverage with this foundation. Although brushes are always an excellent investment, e.l.f.’s Foundation Brush is a super steal at $1 each- and excellent quality.

2.) Waterproof tints: Stains and tints may seem counterintuitive for summer, as light balms and glosses often take center stage. But with a subtle hand and judicious color selection, they could be the difference between an enduring look and mid-day washout.

LORAC’s Sheer Wash in Sheer Magic is perfect for sun-kissed skin, and Sheer Emotion is a great choice for the fairer-skinned. This formulation works for both cheeks and lips. DuWop’s Pure Venom Pure Berry Lip Stain is a more moisturizing choice, with an intense, natural berry hue.

3.) Eye makeup austerity: When it comes to warm-weather smudging, eyes are one of the first casualties of an intense look. Waterproof and smudgeproof mascaras and liners abound, but a clean, set curled lash and neutral shadow are the least likely to cause a Courtney Love-like effect.

Shiseido The Makeup Lasting Lift Mascara is light and feathery, but still defines lashes well and holds a curl. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Bone is a nice, sturdy neutral for long, hot days, and it won’t slide all over like many cream shadows often do in warm weather.

Setting makeup with a soft spritz of toner and an anti-frizz serum should put the finishing touches on your sun-proof, heat-resistant look. Do you have any tips or tricks for hot-weather beauty?